| toledo talk | Discussing the news and events in and around Lake Erie West |
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| northwest ohio & southeast michigan | coffee is for closers | 01-Dec-2008 10:49 P.M. |
How do you find a good, new doc? - My internist retired, after about 18 years, leaving his practice to this Canadian doc who seems worthless (He spends an office visit telling me his plans to improve his practice). He has a male, nurse practioner, who is authorized to diagnose, prescribe,and he is the only medical person I have seen in 3 months. I have had a horrible spell of bad medical problems in the last 3 months, a fractured pelvis, broken toe, repeat of an old medical problem, etc. and all this nurse practioner seems to want to do, is send me for expensive tests, when they won't alter how he treats me. He has switched my meds my original doc had me on, thinks he has to re-invent the damned wheel with me. He also claims all medical records of over 5 years ago, were 'purged', meaning, he has NO record of any ICU stays, tests, other doc exams, etc. So now, he feels he has to start from scratch, where the old doc started 18 yrs ago. Sadly, this nurse practioner gives a more thorough medical exam than the internist he is employed by. (they don't bother to take blood pressure, pulse, temps). The latest fiasco left me with very low hemoglobin; meaning iron deficient anemia, which is treated by iron and B12 shots (I cannot take iron orally). But he won't do that, says he'd rather explore the tests to see if we find something 'new', when nothing 'new' exists, and even if it did, it would not alter his treatment. Sorry for the whiney ramble, but does anybody know how to go about finding a good, new internist??????????????
posted by starling02 to health at 12:41 A.M. EST (21 Comments)
Comments ...
I just found a website, to search for an internist in my area. Here are the names it provided. These don't even sound like real names.John D. Doc, MD Yes
Laura Doctor, MD Yes
Donald Physicians, MD Yes
Jonathan Doctors, MD Yes
Peter L. Family, MD Yes
Joan Q. Sample, MD Yes
Stephanie Anybody, MD Yes
Richard R. Quality, MD Yes
Larry Physician, MD Yes
Mark G. Practice III, MD Yes
Emily Training, MD Yes
Jeffrey School, MD Yes
Jane Summary, MD Yes
Scott William Male, MD Yes
James E. Certified, DO Yes
Edward Thomas Sanction, MD Yes
Rocky Corey Miranda, MD Yes
Lynae Anette Allbee, MD Yes
Timothy Tony Exley, MD Yes
Brian Mark Rackliff, MD
posted by starling02 at 12:50 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Starling, who's your HMO? I can probably help with that info.
posted by junta330 at 01:36 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
I would recommend going to the family practice clinic at MUO. You'll get more attention there than anywhere else with medical students, residents, and attendings all seeing you, and the knowledge of the physicians will always be the most up-to-date and complete since it is an academic medical center. Of course having all of those people seeing you may be a turn-off, but you can bet they'll take a complete history and physical. As a medical student I've heard a number of the attendings and a couple of the residents speak, and they all seem truly committed and very friendly. I think you'd be very pleased with the care you would receive there.
posted by HeyHey at 01:41 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
I feel for you - I went thru the same thing when the doc my wife and I loved moved his pracitice to findlay to get away from some of the regulations he had to face in Lucas county.. (we're even doctor unfriendly here I guess)
Ive found one who is OK, but just OK.
Do you have family/friends/coworkers who can give you recommendations? I do work with someone who has a nurse in the family who was a big help to him in finding a doctor.
good luck to you.
posted by billy at 06:45 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Starling - I've just found myself in the same situation. My doctor - who was really great - took a two-year sabbatical to study incorporating holistic approaches to his practice. I was thrilled with this and willing to stay with his "replacement" until his return. I've just learned that he's not going to be coming back to Toledo - so now I'm looking for someone who, like your doctor, doesn't just order a bunch of tests.
I asked a couple of friends in the medical field for a recommendation of someone who might be more like my previous doc and, after hearing the same name several times, gave the new doc a call. He's not accepting new patients.
I think I'll heyhey's advice and check out MUO.
posted by MaggieThurber at 07:01 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Starling - I feel for you. Been there, done that. And it's horrible to weed through all the 'test pilots' in order to find that one true practitioner.
I would suggest checking with your insurance company to see who is on the list of participating physicians. Then check with the local medical board to see if there are any complaints lodged against that person.
Remember - even though the doctor holds the degree, he/she works for YOU. You have the right to interview the physician, check their references, etc. It sort of hacks them off, but if I'm paying for a service I like to know who I'm paying and for what LEVEL of service. If they fail to perform I notify the insurance company and move on. Believe it or not, if the insurance companies get complaints from patients they investigate and terminate their relationship with the physician if they find they are paying for test/treatments that are not valid.
Since being in Toledo I have been very fortunate. I found a wonderful GP and a rheumatologist. Unless they retire abruptly I will remain with both.
Start with your family doctor (if you have a regular GP) and ask for a referral. If that doesn't work out, go back and ask for another. I know it's a pain in the arse, but you ultimately have to take charge of your care.
Best of luck in your quest. I'll keep my ears open for a recommendation on an internist.
posted by DoknowDocare at 09:04 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
I can recommend out physician. He's been wonderful to us all. He's a DO - so if you don't want one - keep looking! Dr. Dwight Bryan on Monclova Rd. The lady who answers the phone is very matter of fact...but hey - matter of fact...aren't they all??
posted by katie82640 at 09:25 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
If you know any nurses, ask them. In 90% of the dr.s, dentists, clinics etc. where I've worked, the nurses don't like most of the docs, but if you find a dr. that nurses actually like, he/she is doing something right
posted by Fon_Guy at 09:55 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Starling:
It looks as though the website is providing you with test data. The site is probably pointing to the wrong database.
I'm sorry to hear about your medical problems. Are you still under warranty?
When I traveled all the time, I was forever having to find a decent doctor in whatever city I was living in. I found it best to select one or two co-workers that seemed like pretty much OK people (you know the type) and use their recommendations.
Good luck on your search.
posted by madjack at 10:00 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
I wish I could recommend my doctor, whom I love -- she's treating four generations of my family -- but she's not accepting any new patients. She sees few, spends a long time with them when she does see them, answers all questions in-depth, and gets to know her patients very well, and tailors her care to what she knows of their history, lifestyle, and acceptance versus resistence to the treatment or tests she recommends.
But even though she's not available, the place where she works is. It's the W.W. Knight Family Practice on Central Avenue -- an extension of Toledo Hospital's training program for physicians. (Sometimes my surfing addiction shines through when I recommend the facility to others: I accidentally call it WWW Knight.)
I like the convenience of W.W. Knight: if my doc isn't available on a moment's notice, some other doctor on her team will be. That doctor will report to my doc about my visit. There are several doctors who are directors, and a number of other doctors work under their direction. It is not unusual to have more than one doctor in the exam room. It may be that one is in training and observing, but also docs will call in one of the other docs on duty to consult with them if they're wanting another pair of brainy eyes looking at a particular health problem.
Something else that's good about this place: after hours care is excellent. There's always a doc on call (or multiple docs) and they're at the hospital while on call. If you phone them with a problem, or a need for an Rx, they'll take care of it -- no matter what time of the day it is. If they're uncomfortable dealing with the issue over the phone or think you need immediate care, they have you come to the ER -- and they notify the triage/reception desk to call them as soon as you arrive.
I also like the convenience of the facility itself. Parking is right at the door. Going to docs at the facility qualifies a patient to use the West Central Pharmacy (not available to the general public). It's located across the street in a clinic. I love that pharamacy because wait time are very short, if at all, and the staff bends over backwards to be kind and helpful and efficient. Also, as one who does not have Rx insurance coverage, I appreciate the prices.
I went through years of seeking a good doctor and ran into some real stinkers during that search. But I've been thankful and extremely happy with what I found at W.W. Knight. Highly recommended.
I wish you success with your search. I know all too well how difficult it can be. I also wish you the very best with your health problems.
posted by CrankyEastSider at 10:32 A.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
I hear Dr. Kevorkian is going to be available soon.
posted by HolyHolyToledo at 08:44 P.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
What is MUO? Our HMO is Medical Mutual. How do you run a check to see if a doc has had complaints against them? My doctor that retired, WAS our family doc, just happened to be an internist, amazing doctor. But he recognised when a test was needed, as opposed to just running tests on whims, if the treatment wouldn't change. I also think doctors are ignorant on nutrition, either that, or they just don't care to pursue it. What is a Homopathic doctor?
posted by starling02 at 09:30 P.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
MUO is Medical University of Ohio (fairly recent name for the old MCO).
There is a way to look up a doc's records via some state agency but I forget how to do it. You can read about charges against them and any discipline doled out, court cases, etc. and whether they're current on their on-going education program and if they'velet their license expire.It might just be the state medical board.
posted by CrankyEastSider at 10:26 P.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Starling,
Homeopathic "doctors" aren't MDs or DOs. They treat with a variety of herbal supplements and traditional Eastern medicine among others. There have been a few beneficial aspects found among homeopathic practitioner procedures and treatments, but most have been found to have no value at all. I personally wouldn't visit one if someone paid me, but to each his own.
posted by HeyHey at 11:05 P.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Wish I could tell you my Dr. was taking new clients on but he's not. My Dr. always is right on time for the appointment, he never hurries, does not over test or medicate. I was one of his first patients and have helped increase his office with folks I've told him about. Good Luck!
posted by Judy at 11:43 P.M. EST on Tue Mar 14, 2006 #
Starling - check this link to help weed out the 'chronic' discipline/complaint problems with a medical practitioner.
http://med.ohio.gov/
posted by DoknowDocare at 07:50 A.M. EST on Wed Mar 15, 2006 #
Hi Starling. I reread your posting here. I see the health issues that you mention. I really suggest that you call Dr. Bryan. A few things;
1. I found him often to not have the answers. But always willing to find them or send us to someone who he believes has the answers.
2. When I take information into him - he reads it and we discuss. Also - he has been willing to get out of the drug rep medicines and give me medicine that works - rather than medicine that sends HIM on a cruise.
3. His office called me (only been really sick once in Toledo) to see if I'm ok because they know there's nobody to take care of me.
4. His office is very honest. And the billing is honest.
His phone number is: (419) 887-0896. You can just tell his secretary that Kate sent you. They'll know who I am.
And he'll take good care of you - you have alot going on. And a DO treats the whole system rather than isolated symptoms. And you just really don't feel good right now!
posted by katie82640 at 03:58 P.M. EST on Fri Mar 17, 2006 #
Thanks so much katie, I will give your doctor a call. Can't hurt. My doctor was amazing, but retired. And this new doctor.... he tends to have his 'nurse practioner' see patients. The nurse practioner apparently, is allowed to diagnose, prescribe medication, etc. forever, without touching base with the doctor at all. I'm a bit puzzled by it all, I thought only doctors could diagose, and prescribe, but apparently not so. It took quite a bit of a hissy fit this last visit for him to summon the doctor, finally, who after chart checking surmissed, 'gee, she might have a point'. This is after lots of expensive, long tests (one was 4 hours), because this nurse practioner was hell bent on doing tests.
posted by starling02 at 06:49 P.M. EST on Fri Mar 17, 2006 #
I went that route with a fantastic pediatrician years ago. I had never heard of a nurse practitioner. And I felt like I was committing a crime if I said no - I'd actually like to talk to the doctor. Fortunately the kids grew old enough we could use the same Dr.
I really think you will like Dr. Bryan.
Keep your spirits up. This is a hard time of year too - it's not winter and it isn't spring. Not much to do and we've got cabin fever.
Also a big item - have you read the Maker Diet yet? The only real change I've made after reading it - (I'm not done yet) is to change to distilled water. And my sinus trouble and arthritis seem to have evaporated. ??
But the book talks about how we were designed and food/water were designed and that we are being poisened by food and water. That most of what ails us is from what we put in our mouth.
I actually woke up (no alarm) and felt awake this morning. I've only been at this a couple of weeks. I sat up - no pain. It surprised me.
posted by katie82640 at 08:35 A.M. EST on Sat Mar 18, 2006 #
I am stunned, that I am charged $85. an office call visit charge, to see this nurse practioner. (I've been going through medical bills, eee-gods!!!!) That is more than $10. more,than my old (retired) doctor charged me, and he was an experienced internist. I was told by my daughter in law (who worked for Upjohn), that it's hard to get into med school, so perhaps that is why this nurse practioner didn't proceed to med school. But he is NOT a doctor. However, he is allowed to diagnose, prescribe, without a doctor's consult. I am puzzled, at how there can be a law that says you cannot practice medicine without a license, but nurse practioners seem to have a special catagory, that allows them all doctor's privilages.
posted by starling02 at 01:49 P.M. EST on Mon Mar 20, 2006 #
I think my dr's is 85.00 too. I can remember when it was 25.00. geesh. But no nurse practitioner. I don't know how they can practice medicine without a license. Maybe the doctor has to sign off on whatever they do??
posted by katie82640 at 04:29 P.M. EST on Mon Mar 20, 2006 #